AFN Executive Committee Appoints Regional Chief Joanna Bernard as Interim National Chief

AFN Executive Committee Appoints Regional Chief Joanna Bernard as Interim National Chief

Jul 10, 2023

Ottawa, ON – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Executive Committee gathered this week to appoint Regional Chief Joanna Bernard as the interim National Chief. The decision comes after the passing of Resolution 01, AFN Article 22, Charter Procedures, which directs “the Executive Committee follow the procedures outlined in Article 22(3) of the AFN Charter to select an interim National Chief from amongst themselves and call an election to be held at the December 2023 Special Chiefs Assembly.”

“I am honoured to be selected as the interim National Chief,” said Joanna Bernard. “It is crucial that the Assembly of First Nations resume its important work of advancing First Nations’ priorities. I look forward to working with the Executive Committee to advance AFNs work between now and December, when First Nations Chiefs will, once again, have the opportunity to elect their next National Chief.”

“As interim National Chief, my focus remains on moving forward with our current priorities, restoring confidence within our organization, and ensuring that the voices of First Nations are heard and respected by all,” added interim National Chief Bernard.

On June 28, the AFN convened a Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) to vote on resolutions pertaining to RoseAnne Archibald’s status in office. The First Nations-in-Assembly voted to pass DR-01 AFN Article 22, Charter Procedures, resolving to support the recommendation of the Executive Committee to expel RoseAnne Archibald from the Board of the Assembly of First Nations and remove her as National Chief.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

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For more information please contact:

Genna Benson
Director, Communications
Assembly of First Nations
gbenson@afn.ca
604-340-3117 (mobile)

Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
kreid@afn.ca
613-292-0857 (mobile)

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